Logistics director Mark Owen says the company took the decision to trial the tyres for the improved stability they would provide on these 4.5-metre-high trailers.

"We've only heard good things about the MaxiTrailers, and from several sources. So we thought it was high time we gave them a try," he says – making the point that the firm uses Michelin tyres across its entire fleet.

"We will be monitoring their performance carefully, and if they do as well as we expect them to, we may well specify Michelin X One MaxiTrailer tyres for several more of our vehicles," adds Owen.

The new trailers will be in operation for 20 hours a day, seven days a week, taking deliveries from Frank Roberts & Sons headquarters in Northwich to customers all over the country. Like the rest of the direct delivery fleet, they will also be covering 200,000km annually.